Chargers' 2026 Free Agents, Targets and Draft Needs After NFL Playoff Loss

The Los Angeles Chargers managed to make the playoffs for the second straight year under head coach Jim Harbaugh. However, things didn't exactly go as planned in 2025.

L.A. did go 11-6 and earn a second-place finish in the AFC West for the second straight year. However, the Chargers battled numerous injuries along the offensive line, lost star tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt for the season, and saw Justin Herbert play through a broken hand late in the year.

Given Los Angeles' injury woes this past season, getting back to the postseason was a remarkable accomplishment. However, the season left fans wondering what might have been if the Chargers had been able to stay healthy.

Now that L.A.'s playoff run has reached its conclusion, the challenge of preparing for 2026 begins. Getting healthy will be a big part of the equation, but Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz have work to do, too.

Free agency will officially begin on March 11, and the 2026 NFL draft is slated to start on April 23. The Chargers have contracts to address before then and roster needs to fill once the new league year is underway.

Free Agents

AP Photo/Kyusung Gong

Chargers edge Odafe Oweh

Unrestricted Free Agents

WR Keenan Allen

TE Tyler Conklin

OT Austin Deculus

DL Da'Shawn Hand

LS Josh Harris

RB Najee Harris

RB Hassan Haskins

C Andre James

G Zion Johnson

QB Trey Lance

CB Deane Leonard

Edge Khalil Mack

DT Otito Ogbonnia

Edge Odafe Oweh

G Trevor Penning

LB Denzel Perryman

Edge Del'Shawn Phillips

OT Trey Pipkins

G Jamaree Salyer

CB Benjamin St-Juste

DL Teair Tart

Restricted/Exclusive-Rights Free Agents

TE Tucker Fisk

S Kendall Williamson

The Chargers had to backfill multiple positions this past season due to injuries, so they have quite a few players headed to free agency. Fortunately, only a handful should be considered top priorities.

Expect Hortiz to make an effort to bring back standouts like Khalil Mack, Benjamin St-Juste, Teair Tart, and receiver Keenan Allen. Odafe Oweh, who was acquired in-season from the Baltimore Ravens, should also be a top priority.

While Oweh did have a 10-sack season in 2024, his production in Baltimore was inconsistent. However, he racked up 7.5 sacks and eight tackles for loss in 12 games for the Chargers in 2025.

Los Angeles may have a difficult decision to make regarding guard Zion Johnson. He was a first-round pick in 2022, but his play has been more good than great since he arrived in L.A. The same could be said for Mekhi Becton, who joined the Chargers as a free agent last offseason.

Other linemen, like Austin Deculus, Andre James, Trey Pipkins, and Trevor Penning, are depth pieces who may be retained but who should cut significantly into Los Angeles' cap space.

The Chargers are currently projected to have just under $110 million available.

Potential Free-Agent/Trade Targets

AP Photo/Chris Szagola

Edge Jaelan Phillips

The Chargers have the financial flexibility to make significant moves on the free-agent and trade markets. However, Hortiz may continue focusing on younger players who can help the team long-term.

If a veteran like D.J. Moore, Elgton Jenkins or Rashan Gary becomes available, Hortiz will probably kick the tires. However, players on expiring rookie deals—as Oweh was when he was acquired—will probably make much more sense.

The Chargers may not be as selective when it comes to the open market, though. They could use help in the secondary and along the offensive and defensive lines. They may be willing to address those needs with short-term solutions.

Expect free agents like cornerback Jaylen Watson, edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips, defensive tackle D.J. Reader, safety Reed Blankenship, guard Wyatt Teller, and defensive lineman DaQuan Jones to be high on Los Angeles' wish list.

The Chargers may also be in the market for a complementary receiver and another running back, especially if Allen and Najee Harris both depart. L.A.'s receiving corps was more effective in 2025 than it was in 2024, and Kimani Vidal looks like a terrific backup, but the offense isn't where it needs to be just yet.

Los Angeles ranked 20th in scoring this past season. Offensive free agents like running back Rico Dowdle, receiver Alec Pierce, and tight end Kyle Pitts could very well interest Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

Draft Targets

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Alabama OL prospect Kadyn Proctor

Should the Chargers use a first-round draft pick on an offensive lineman for the second time in three years, it will surprise exactly no one. Harbaugh has traditionally looked to build his teams from the inside out, and there's no way L.A. wants to experience a repeat of what happened to their offensive line in 2025.

Expect the Chargers to draft at least one lineman early and pair him with Slater and Alt as their offensive anchors.

The Bleacher Report Scouting Department picked Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor for the Chargers in its post-regular season mock draft:

"Despite the inconsistencies and concerns about body control, Proctor has the size, body type and power to make a smooth transition as an NFL guard, especially in the Chargers' downhill, run-oriented system," Brandon Thorn of the B/R Scouting Department said. "The 20-year-old prospect could slide into right guard, upgrade the position and become the team's third or fourth-best starter over his first few seasons."

Proctor's potential at guard and experience at tackle should appear to a team that battled injuries at both positions this past season.

Prospects like Clemson edge-rusher T.J. Parker, Penn State safety Zakee Wheatley, Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrel, and Alabama defensive lineman LT Overton should also interest Los Angeles on opening night. If the Chargers don't use their first pick on an offensive lineman, prospects like Oregon's Emmanuel Pregnon, Texas A&M's Chase Bisontis, and Georgia Tech's Keylan Rutledge should interest them on Day 2.

Los Angeles is currently set to have only five total selections in April's draft, though it has its picks in each of the first four rounds.

*Cap, contract and free-agent status information via Spotrac. Draft information via Tankathon